What Causes Condensation on Double Glazed Windows?

What Causes Condensation on Double Glazed Windows?

Here at KJM, we offer windows, doors and conservatories around Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey and Wiltshire. We specialise in thermally efficient home improvements that are built to last, with high quality double and triple glazing installations as part of every project. If you’re looking for a fresh upgrade for your home that doubles as a green investment that looks towards the future, new glass can be the perfect start. With energy bills on the rise and thermal efficiency more important than ever, homeowners are naturally left with questions as to what to expect from their double and triple glazing. 

One such occurrence is condensation. Condensation build up can be frustrating for any homeowner, and can contribute to mould and damp within the home. There are a couple of common culprits that cause this foggy annoyance, which we’ll explore here- and how best to tackle the issue head on within your home. 

Condensation on Your Windows

Have you ever woken up on a chilly morning to find that your double glazed windows are fogged up? This phenomenon is known as condensation, mist or fogging, and can be quite frustrating. But have you ever wondered why this happens? 

Double glazed windows are designed to provide insulation by having two panes of glass separated by an air or gas-filled space. This gap helps to reduce heat loss from the inside of the house to the outside- reducing heat loss through the glass panes and the gap between them. However, this clever design does have some drawbacks, as it can also make your windows, doors or conservatory prone to condensation.

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. The moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, causing the surface to become wet. This is the same principle behind why your cold drink causes water droplets to form on the outside of a glass on a hot day- so it’s a good way to think about what happens to your windows. In the case of double glazed windows, the air or gas-filled space between the two panes of glass can act as a barrier to heat transfer. This means that the inner pane of glass can be significantly warmer than the outer pane, particularly in cold weather when the temperature outside is lower. These issues create the perfect conditions that condensation needs to thrive. 

When warm, moist air from inside the house comes into contact with the colder outer pane of glass, the moisture in the air condenses into water droplets on the surface. This is what causes the foggy appearance on double glazed windows. This frustrating issue, luckily, has a few common culprits- and this comes with ways to tackle them. 

Tackling Condensation In Your Home

What causes the warm, moist air to form in the first place? Several factors can contribute to this, including cooking, bathing, and even breathing. These activities release moisture into the air, increasing the humidity levels in your home. This can help form condensation on your windows, doors and conservatories that can be pretty annoying to deal with!

To reduce condensation on your double glazed windows, you can take a few steps. Firstly, make sure that your home is properly ventilated. This means opening windows and doors regularly to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce humidity levels. This is a great way to refresh your home, control the temperature, and allow the smell of cooking, cleaning or other similar activities to leave your home. 

However, if it’s cold and damp outside, you might not want to open your windows. This is pretty understandable- we don’t want to let even more moisture in from the rain! In these cases, there are other things that can help. Another solution is to use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. This can be particularly useful in rooms that generate a lot of moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. For this option, you don’t need to open your windows and doors, making it perfect for those cold winter days. 

Window Replacement Options

Double glazing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its insulation properties, which can help to reduce heat loss and save on energy bills. However, over time, double glazing can become less effective if it develops condensation. This can be a sign that your double glazing installations need replacing- especially if you get a lot of condensation building up on your windows, doors or conservatory. 

In the case of older double glazing, condensation can happen when the seals between the two panes of glass fail- allowing moisture to enter the gap between the panes. This can lead to a buildup of condensation, which can cause damage to the windows and reduce their insulation properties. If you notice condensation on your double glazed windows, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, once the seals have failed, the only solution is to replace the windows- so keep this in mind.

Replacing double glazing can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it’s one that’s worth it in the long run. Not only will it improve the insulation properties of your home, but it will also improve the appearance and value of your property. When replacing double glazing, it’s important to choose a reputable company with experience in the installation of double glazing- like us here at KJM. They will be able to advise you on the best type of windows for your property, and ensure that the installation is carried out correctly. The last thing you’d want is this issue happening again!

Get Started Today With KJM.

Replacing double glazing when it has condensation is an important step in maintaining the insulation properties of your home. While it can be a pain to have to make the decision, it will help to improve the appearance, value and energy efficiency of your property. If you notice condensation on your double glazed windows, it’s better to get it sorted sooner rather than later.  Seek advice from a reputable double glazing company, like us here at KJM, and get your windows replaced as soon as possible.

If you’re in the Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey or Wiltshire area, KJM can help. Contact us on 01264 359355, and we’d be happy to discuss what services are best for your property. With our non-commissioned sales team and expert advisors, we can help make your property thermally efficient and secure. Make a start with KJM today.